Gene Wilder Remained a Beloved Celebrity Through His Final Years
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory was a magical movie for children and adults alike. Because Gene Wilder created that land of “Pure Imagination” as Wonka — just one of his many successful roles — he earned a special spot in the hearts of all those who watched it.
The two-time Academy Award nominee, who passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease early Monday morning at the age of 83, remained a fan favorite more than four decades after the movie was released — even though he was semi-retired and infrequently made public appearances. One of the places Wilder, who resided in Stamford, Conn. with his fourth wife, Karen, would pop up regularly, however, was at his local Avon Theatre Film Center. They held an annual series called “Wilder’s Picks,” when the screen great would talk about some of his favorite movies at an event moderated by his wife.
Related: Gene Wilder, 1933-2016: His Most Memorable Roles
Because Wilder was rather elusive, “devoted fans traveled from all across North America to be there,” according to a statement from the theater. Greg Sullivan of Stamford worked at the Avon at the time and “held Wilder’s admirers at bay” as his “de facto bodyguard” for two consecutive years at the event, the last of which took place in 2014 — a year after Wilder had quietly been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. And, yes, a bodyguard was needed.
“As I’m sure you can attest, just about any celebrity has a following — sometimes a very pushy one,” Sullivan recalls to Yahoo Celebrity. “Both years, two gentlemen, and I’m using the term loosely here, showed up with armloads of memorabilia, seeking signatures. Mr. Wilder would not say no to them. He graciously signed autographs until the other staff and I could tell by his body language that he was done.”
Sullivan continued, “He never displayed any signs of irritation or lack of patience. Even at his age and in increasingly poor health, he thoughtfully answered every question and treated each admirer with the consideration and respect that they sometimes failed to show to him.”
One year, the event was attended by an unexpected guest — Paris Themmen, who played Mike Teavee in Willy Wonka. “It was the first time that he and Gene had seen each other since Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory wrapped,” said Sullivan. “When Mr. Wilder realized who it was, the years and all signs of encroaching Alzheimer’s dropped away and he embraced his former colleague with warmth and unmistakable glee. It was a privilege to witness the reunion.”
According to Wilder’s nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman, who released the family’s statement about his passing, the Stir Crazy and Young Frankensteinstar had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013. And he kept that “private not for vanity,” but “so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him ‘there’s Willy Wonka,’ would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion. He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.”
At the events at the Avon, Wilder’s wife directed the questions and would sometimes prompt him for answers. “I didn’t think much of it at the time, but knowing now that he had Alzheimer’s, it seems clear that she was jogging his memory,” says Sullivan. “They were always so sweet. So sweet. He was a gentle soul. “
The Avon released a statement about Wilder’s passing:
Even in Wilder’s final years, he still received about 25 fan letters a week.
“I get five mails a day, not Saturday and Sunday,” Wilder, who was also known for his romance with Gilda Radner, said during one of his last interviews at the 92nd Street Y in 2013. Fans of all ages (“Sometimes it’s someone who’s 12 years old, sometimes 21 years old, sometimes 34 years old”) would write, “‘I love you. You’re wonderful. Would you sign this for me?’ I do it, but it piles up. But it’s all because they saw Willy Wonka.”
In a second interview with the newspaper The Hour in 2012, he talked about the steady stream of fan mail, saying, “I’m very proud of that.”
Related: Remembering Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner’s Beautiful, Sad Love Story
While Wilder’s many fans included people like you and me, many are famous too. Even though Wilder said, “Yuck, I don’t like it,” when asked about Hollywood during his 92Y interview, many celebrities have spoken out about his passing, which you can read about here.
